Vision For Future Research Articles

Ex ovo omnia - Why don't we know more about egg quality via imaging?

Determining egg quality is the foremost challenge in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Although extensive advances have been made in multiple areas of ART over the last forty years, oocyte quality assessment tools have not much evolved beyond standard morphological observation. The oocyte not only delivers half of the nuclear genetic material and all of the mitochondrial DNA to an embryo but also provides complete developmental support during embryonic growth. Oocyte mitochondrial numbers far exceed those of any somatic cell, yet little work has been done to evaluate the mitochondrial bioenergetics of an oocyte. Current standard oocyte assessment in in vitro fertilization (IVF) centers include the observation of oocytes and their surrounding cell complex (cumulus cells) via stereomicroscope or inverted microscope, which is largely primitive. Additional oocyte assessments include polar body grading and polarized light meiotic spindle imaging. However, the evidence regarding the aforementioned methods of oocyte quality assessment and IVF outcomes is contradictory and non-reproducible. High resolution microscopy techniques have also been implemented in animal and human models with promising outcomes. The current era of oocyte imaging continues to evolve with discoveries in artificial intelligence models of oocyte morphology selection albeit at a slow rate. In this review, past, current, and future oocyte imaging techniques will be examined with the goal of drawing attention to the gap which limits our ability to assess oocytes in real time. The implications of improved oocyte imaging techniques on patients undergoing IVF will be discussed as well as the need to develop point of care oocyte assessment testing in IVF labs.

Introducing Chiro-optical Activities in Photonic Synapses for Neuromorphic Computing and In-Memory Logic Operations.

In artificial synaptic devices aimed at mimicking neuromorphic computing systems, electrical or optical pulses, or both, are generally used as stimuli. In this work, we introduce chiral materials for tailoring the characteristics of photonic synaptic devices to achieve handedness-dependent neuromorphic computing and in-memory logic gates. In devices based on a pair of chiral perovskites, the use of circularly polarized light (CPL) as the optical stimuli mimicked a series of electrical and opto-synaptic functionalities in order to emulate the multifunctional complex behavior of the human brain. Upon illumination in this two-terminal device, anisotropy in current has been observed due to the out-of-plane carrier transport, originating from spin-selective carrier transport. More importantly, the logic gate achieved in devices based on optoelectronic memristors turned out to be chirality-dependent; while an R-device functioned as an AND gate, the device based on the same perovskite of the opposite chirality (S-device) acted as a NOR gate toward in-memory logic operations. These findings in chiral perovskite-based artificial synapses can identify further strategies for future neuromorphic computing, vision simulation, and artificial intelligence.

Deep learning model for individualized trajectory prediction of clinical outcomes in mild cognitive impairment

ObjectivesAccurately predicting when patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) will progress to dementia is a formidable challenge. This work aims to develop a predictive deep learning model to accurately predict future cognitive decline and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) marker changes over time at the individual level for patients with MCI.MethodsWe recruited 657 amnestic patients with MCI from the Samsung Medical Center who underwent cognitive tests, brain MRI scans, and amyloid-β (Aβ) positron emission tomography (PET) scans. We devised a novel deep learning architecture by leveraging an attention mechanism in a recurrent neural network. We trained a predictive model by inputting age, gender, education, apolipoprotein E genotype, neuropsychological test scores, and brain MRI and amyloid PET features. Cognitive outcomes and MRI features of an MCI subject were predicted using the proposed network.ResultsThe proposed predictive model demonstrated good prediction performance (AUC = 0.814 ± 0.035) in five-fold cross-validation, along with reliable prediction in cognitive decline and MRI markers over time. Faster cognitive decline and brain atrophy in larger regions were forecasted in patients with Aβ (+) than with Aβ (−).ConclusionThe proposed method provides effective and accurate means for predicting the progression of individuals within a specific period. This model could assist clinicians in identifying subjects at a higher risk of rapid cognitive decline by predicting future cognitive decline and MRI marker changes over time for patients with MCI. Future studies should validate and refine the proposed predictive model further to improve clinical decision-making.

The Impact of Strategic Factor on Improving Performance Effectiveness for Construction Projects - A case Study

Mission, vision and strategy play an important role recognized today by most organizations. These tools are very beneficial in steering an organization in straight direction. Strategic factors (SF) rely on the interaction between internal and external factors and on determining the future mission and vision of the organization in the light of determined objectives, and regulatory strategies and policies. This study is an analytical study of Libyan Investment & Development Company (LIDCO) to determine the impact of the strategic factors on improvement of evaluation effectiveness of LIDCO performance using SWOT in conjunction with following criteria: (Total Quality Management Criteria, Quality Performance Criteria and Competitive Position Criteria). The researchers used the descriptive analytical method to analyse the content using the statistical method and the strategic analysis tool (SWOT) to understand the role and tasks that the company performs and the difficulties and obstacles facing its work by evaluating its performance to develop a strategic vision for the development of its performance. Results show delays by LIDCO in implementing projects as evaluation of the strategic factors were disregarded, leading to disregarding the application of competitive position criteria to project construction, lack of continuous improvement and of benchmarking. This paper contributes to how the factors affecting strategic planning are used and classified into different categories according to the point of view researchers in the field of strategic planning. And too knowledge of the factors influencing strategic planning, and it is very useful for engineers because of the various uses of the factors influencing strategic planning.

Information Transmission through Biotic-Abiotic Interfaces to Restore or Enhance Human Function.

Advancements in reliable information transfer across biotic-abiotic interfaces have enabled the restoration of lost human function. For example, communication between neuronal cells and electrical devices restores the ability to walk to a tetraplegic patient and vision to patients blinded by retinal disease. These impactful medical achievements are aided by tailored biotic-abiotic interfaces that maximize information transfer fidelity by considering the physical properties of the underlying biological and synthetic components. This Review develops a modular framework to define and describe the engineering of biotic and abiotic components as well as the design of interfaces to facilitate biotic-abiotic information transfer using light or electricity. Delineating the properties of the biotic, interface, and abiotic components that enable communication can serve as a guide for future research in this highly interdisciplinary field. Application of synthetic biology to engineer light-sensitive proteins has facilitated the control of neural signaling and the restoration of rudimentary vision after retinal blindness. Electrophysiological methodologies that use brain-computer interfaces and stimulating implants to bypass spinal column injuries have led to the rehabilitation of limb movement and walking ability. Cellular interfacing methodologies and on-chip learning capability have been made possible by organic transistors that mimic the information processing capacity of neurons. The collaboration of molecular biologists, material scientists, and electrical engineers in the emerging field of biotic-abiotic interfacing will lead to the development of prosthetics capable of responding to thought and experiencing touch sensation via direct integration into the human nervous system. Further interdisciplinary research will improve electrical and optical interfacing technologies for the restoration of vision, offering greater visual acuity and potentially color vision in the near future.

SOLAR GRASS CUTTER: HARNESSING RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR SUSTAINABLE LAWN MAINTENANCE

In the realm of sustainable landscape management, the imperative to reduce environmental impact while enhancing efficiency is paramount. This paper presents a pioneering approach to address these challenges through the development of the Solar Grass Cutter. Grounded in the fusion of renewable energy technology and innovative design, our objective is to revolutionize traditional lawn maintenance practices by introducing a comprehensive system that harnesses solar power to trim grass effectively and sustainably. At its core, the Solar Grass Cutter represents the convergence of modern engineering with environmental concern. This device provides a disruptive solution by combining solar panels with precision cutting mechanisms, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and the carbon emissions associated with traditional lawn care equipment. Key features of the Solar Grass Cutter include: 1.Renewable energy utilization: Leveraging solar power, the system operates autonomously, reducing dependence on non-renewable energy sources and mitigating environmental impact. 2.Efficient grass cutting: Through innovative design and engineering, the Solar Grass Cutter ensures precise and efficient grass trimming, optimizing resource utilization and minimizing waste. 3.Environmental stewardship: By adopting sustainable practices, the Solar Grass Cutter promotes environmental stewardship, contributing to the preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity. In essence, the Solar Grass Cutter represents an evolutionary leap in lawn maintenance, bringing technological innovation together with environmental responsibility. It represents a dedication to sustainable behaviours as well as a vision for a greener future in which human inventiveness and environmental consciousness combine to improve our planet’s health. Key Words: Solar Grass Cutter, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Lawn Maintenance, Precision Cutting, Environmental Stewardship, Technological Innovation.

AI-Enhanced Demand Response Strategies in Smart Grids: Toward Sustainable Energy Future

To accomplish a sustainable energy future, this article researches the consolidation of computerized reasoning (AI) into request reaction components inside smart grids. While considering the joining of sustainable power sources and expanding energy utilization, current energy frameworks depend altogether on load the executives and continuous energy request reaction. Conventional methodologies battle with the intricacies of dynamic energy situations. Results from the examination feature the worth of AI and ML for enhancing energy use. Versatile learning for energy proficiency, exact interest determining, continuous observing, and sustainable power source mix are completely made conceivable by these innovations. An intensive vision for the Smart Lattice is introduced, underscoring financial matters, proficiency, wellbeing, ecological obligation, security, and reliability. We check out at the benefits and downsides of incorporating energy stockpiling gadgets and the job of circulated framework insight. The determination gives a careful future vision to AI-enhanced request reaction in smart grids by featuring research issues connected with self-learning frameworks, complete robotization, self-recuperating grids, fitting and-play advances, network safety, and labor force improvement.

Future (Re)view : Re-ing and (Re)reading “Future (Re)vision: A Few Reflections on Recollection, Reception and Response in Practice-Based Art Research or: Hindsight isn’t always 20/20”

This paper presents re-ing as a critical and creative method for experience-based learning. In this reflective dialogue between an art researcher and an art historian, re-ing is considered vis-à-vis the conference themes of Art of Research VIII (2023): re-placing, re-interpreting and re-visioning. The holistic significance of research in art and design is also explored from the perspective of practice, and the journey from Ph. student to PhD supervisor. The exchange draws on work by the artist featured in The Art of Research II (2012), a legacy publication in The Art of Research series.

A Deep Learning Model with Axial Attention for Radar Echo Extrapolation

ABSTRACT Radar echo extrapolation is an important approach in precipitation nowcasting which utilizes historical radar echo images to predict future echo images. In this paper, we introduce the self-attention mechanism into Trajectory Gated Recurrent Unit (TrajGRU) model. Under the sequence-to-sequence framework, we have developed a novel convolutional recurrent neural network called Self-attention Trajectory Gated Recurrent Unit (SA-TrajGRU), which incorporates the self-attention mechanism. The SA-TrajGRU model which combines spatiotemporal variant structure in TrajGRU and self-attention module is simple and effective. We evaluate our approach on the Moving MNIST-2 dataset and the CIKM AnalytiCup 2017 radar echo dataset. The experimental results show that the performance of the proposed SA-TrajGRU model is comparable to other convolutional recurrent neural network models. HSS and CSI scores of the SA-TrajGRU model are higher than scores of other models under the radar echo threshold of 25 dBZ, indicating that the SA-TrajGRU model has the most accurate prediction results under this threshold.

STRATEGIC PLANNING IN ACHIEVING NET ZERO EMISSIONS: CASE OF BIOMASS COFIRING TECHNOLOGY

This study emphasizes the importance of strategic planning in achieving the Net Zero Emissions(NZE) target in 2060 using Biomass Co-firing technology with a qualitative descriptive analyticalapproach. This research focuses on the cross- sectoral cooperation needed to achieve the NZE,especially in terms of social and economic aspects. This strategy aims to reduce biomass waste by1% of total waste in the environment and reduce waste generated by boilers by 10-15%. In addition,this study notes the positive social and economic impacts arising from this strategic planning, suchas increased revenue for the biomass supplier for Co-firing. Nonetheless, research also identifieschallenges in organizational management that must be overcome. Therefore, PT. PLN Energi PrimerIndonesia must be more committed to maintaining good relations with the community to support asustainable future vision and provide prosperity for all citizens. This research provides importantinsights for stakeholders committed to achieving NZE while considering critical social andeconomic aspects.

All-Printed Finger-Inspired Tactile Sensor Array for Microscale Texture Detection and 3D Reconstruction.

Electronic skins are expected to replicate a human-like tactile sense, which significantly detects surface information, including geometry, material, and temperature. Although most texture features can be sensed in the horizontal direction, the lack of effective approaches for detecting vertical properties limits the development of artificial skin based on tactile sensors. In this study, an all-printed finger-inspired tactile sensor array is developed to realize the 3D detection and reconstruction of microscale structures. A beam structure with a suspended multilayer membrane is proposed, and a tactile sensor array of 12 units arranged in a dual-column layout is developed. This architecture enables the tactile sensor array to obtain comprehensive geometric information of micro-textures, including 3D morphology and clearance characteristics, and optimizes the 3D reconstruction patterns by self-calibration. Moreover, an innovative screen-printing technology incorporating multilayer printing and sacrificial-layer techniques is adopted to print the entire device. In additon, a Braille recognition system utilizing this tactile sensor array is developed to interpret Shakespeare's quotes printed in Grade 2 Braille. The abovementioned demonstrations reveal an attractive future vision for endowing bioinspired robots with the unique capability of touching and feeling the microscale real world and reconstructing it in the cyber world.

Cambia Leadership Lecture: YOU are a Leader: An Interprofessional Vision for Hospice and Palliative Care's Future

Cambia Leadership Lecture: YOU are a Leader: An Interprofessional Vision for Hospice and Palliative Care's Future

Direct Detection and Characterization of Exoplanets Using Imaging Fourier Transform Spectroscopy

Space-based direct imaging provides prospects for detection and spectral characterization of exoplanets at optical and near-infrared wavelengths. Integral field spectrographs (IFS) have been historically baselined for these mission concepts. However, multiple studies have revealed that detector noise is a serious obstacle for such instruments when observing extremely faint targets such as Earth-like planets. Imaging Fourier transform spectrographs (iFTS) are generally less sensitive to detector noise, and have several other compelling features such as simultaneous imaging and spectroscopy, smaller-format detector requirements, and variable spectral resolving power. To date, they have not been studied as options for such missions. Here, we compare the capabilities of IFS and iFTS for directly obtaining spectra from an Earth-like planet using both analytic and numerical models. Specifically, we compare the required exposure times to achieve the same signal-to-noise ratio with the two architectures over a range of detector and optical system parameters. We find that for a 6 m telescope, an IFS outperforms an iFTS at optical wavelengths due to the effects of distributed photon noise. In the near-IR, the relative efficiency of an IFS and iFTS depends critically on the instrument design and detector noise. An iFTS will be more efficient than an IFS if the readout noise of the near-IR detector is above ∼2–3 e− pix−1 frame−1 (t frm = 1000 s), which correspond to half to one-third of the state-of-art detector noise. However, if the readout noise is reduced below this threshold, the performance of an IFS will experience a substantial improvement and become more efficient. These results motivate consideration of an iFTS as an alternative option for future direct imaging space missions in the near-IR.

The future in the structure of the subjective image of a student professional life

Introduction. Modern concepts of education are based on the principles of anticipation, determination of the present by the future (advanced education, Life Long Learning). The same pattern applies to the personality of both the subject of life in general and professional life in particular. Aim. Based on the theoretical and methodological analysis, identification and empirical research of the psychological characteristics of the future, the present research aims to consider the future as a personal construct in the structure of the subjective image of professional life. Methodology and research methods. The key methodological approaches are the subjective approach and the theoretical and methodological foundations for using the synergetic approach to study the psyche, mental phenomena and processes. The study employs survey methods; the methods of mathematical and statistical data processing: comparative analysis and factor analysis were carried out using the IBM SPSS Statistics v.20 program. Results. Based on theoretical ideas about time modes, time perspective, psychological characteristics of organisation and perception of time, as well as the results of an analysis of the works of foreign and Russian authors, a structural-functional model of the subjective image of professional life is proposed, including four blocks: a block of retrospection, a block of regulation of actual activity, a prognostic block, and a transspective block. Scientific novelty. The use of a subjective and synergetic approach to modelling the image of the professional future is justified. A structural-functional model of the image of the professional future is proposed, including invariants that represent a formal and meaningful representation of the temporal modes of the past, present and future and a mechanism for comparing the current state with the desired (“needed future”). Practical significance. The presented structural-functional model of the subjective image of professional life can serve as the basis for the development of a subject-oriented approach to professional guidance and support of professional development at the stage of choosing a profession and professional training with practical means of constructing a professional future.

Demobilising Opposition to European Integration: The Principle of Subsidiarity and the Creation of the European Union, 1988–1992

By analysing new archival evidence, this article reveals how in the late 1980s, the legal principle of subsidiarity came to be seen as a tool for demobilising opposition to further European integration. At the same time, it also became a projection screen for competing visions for Europe's future: while the European Commission saw subsidiarity as an important foundation for a future European federation and the German government as an essential part of a ‘Europe of the regions’, the British government hoped to use it to achieve a renationalisation of the European Community. The French government was much more sceptical towards subsidiarity, pointing to the paradox that subsidiarity actually required a strong central authority to achieve its decentralising ends. The article concludes by arguing that the debate on subsidiarity reveals how ambitious and yet contested European integration had become by the early 1990s.

Interrater Agreement of BT-RADS for Evaluation of Follow-Up MRI in Treated Primary Brain Tumor Patients.

The Brain Tumor Reporting and Data System (BT-RADS) is a structured radiology reporting algorithm that was introduced to provide uniformity in post-treatment primary brain tumor follow-up and reporting, but its interrater reliability (IRR) assessment has not been widely studied. Our goal is to evaluate the IRR among neuroradiologists and radiology residents in the use of BT-RADS. This retrospective study reviewed 103 consecutive MR studies in 98 adult patients previously diagnosed with and treated for primary brain tumor (January 2019 to February 2019). Six readers with varied experience (4 neuroradiologists and 2 radiology residents) independently evaluated each case and assigned a BT-RADS score. Readers were blinded to the original score reports and the reports from other readers. Cases in which at least one neuroradiologist scored differently were subjected to consensus scoring. After the study, a post-hoc reference score was also assigned by 2 readers using future imaging and clinical information previously unavailable to readers. The interrater reliabilities were assessed using Gwet's AC2 index with ordinal weights and percent agreement. Of the 98 patients evaluated (median age, 53 years; interquartile range, 41-66 years), 53% were males. The most common tumor type was astrocytoma (77%) of which 56% were grade 4 glioblastoma. Gwet's index for interrater reliability among all six readers was 0.83 (95% CI: 0.78, 0.87). The Gwet's index for the neuroradiologists' group (0.84 [95% CI: 0.79, 0.89]) was not statistically different from that for the residents' group (0.79 [95% CI: 0.72, 0.86]) (χ2 = 0.85; p = 0.36). All four neuroradiologists agreed on the same BT-RADS score in 57 of the 103 studies, three neuroradiologists agreed in 21 of the 103 studies, and two neuroradiologists agreed in 21 of the 103 studies. Percent agreement between neuroradiologist blinded scores and post-hoc reference scores ranged from 41%-52%. A very good interrater agreement was found when tumor reports were interpreted by independent blinded readers using BT-RADS criteria. Further study is needed to determine if this high overall agreement can translate into greater consistency in clinical care. BI-RADS = Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System; BT-RADS = Brain Tumor Reporting and Data System; IQR = interquartile range; IRR = interrater reliability; NI-RADS = Neck Imaging Reporting and Data System.

Contrastive learning for deep tone mapping operator

Most existing tone mapping operators (TMOs) are developed based on prior assumptions of human visual system, and they are known to be sensitive to hyperparameters. In this paper, we proposed a straightforward yet efficient framework to automatically learn the priors and perform tone mapping in an end-to-end manner. The proposed algorithm utilizes a contrastive learning framework to enforce the content consistency between high dynamic range (HDR) inputs and low dynamic range (LDR) outputs. Since contrastive learning aims at maximizing the mutual information across different domains, no paired images or labels are required in our algorithm. Equipped with an attention-based U-Net to alleviate the aliasing and halo artifacts, our algorithm can produce sharp and visually appealing images over various complex real-world scenes, indicating that the proposed algorithm can be used as a strong baseline for future HDR image tone mapping task. Extensive experiments as well as subjective evaluations demonstrated that the proposed algorithm outperforms the existing state-of-the-art algorithms qualitatively and quantitatively. The code is available at https://github.com/xslidi/CATMO.

Human-centred decision support for the common good: a combination of participatory foresight methods

ABSTRACT This paper explores innovative approaches to decision-making for the common good by addressing the challenges posed by participatory foresight techniques such as backcasting and the Delphi method. Our paper is a methodological evaluation of our research that focused on how a more sustainable future vision on the world of sports could replace the currently highly commodified industry that not so long ago had a clear function in providing a good life to humans. This paper aims to contribute to the decision support literature on how the combinations of participation and deliberation with different policy-oriented foresight methodologies entailing both lay and expert knowledge can advance the understanding of values that underpin common good decisions. At the same time, these processes can also uncover concrete actions and policy interventions that can transform current economic and social processes, moving them beyond the utilitarian logic of our realities.

The Body, the Brain, the Environment, and Parkinson's Disease.

The brain- and body-first models of Lewy body disorders predict that aggregated alpha-synuclein pathology usually begins in either the olfactory system or the enteric nervous system. In both scenarios the pathology seems to arise in structures that are closely connected to the outside world. Environmental toxicants, including certain pesticides, industrial chemicals, and air pollution are therefore plausible trigger mechanisms for Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. Here, we propose that toxicants inhaled through the nose can lead to pathological changes in alpha-synuclein in the olfactory system that subsequently spread and give rise to a brain-first subtype of Lewy body disease. Similarly, ingested toxicants can pass through the gut and cause alpha-synuclein pathology that then extends via parasympathetic and sympathetic pathways to ultimately produce a body-first subtype. The resulting spread can be tracked by the development of symptoms, clinical assessments, in vivo imaging, and ultimately pathological examination. The integration of environmental exposures into the brain-first and body-first models generates testable hypotheses, including on the prevalence of the clinical conditions, their future incidence, imaging patterns, and pathological signatures. The proposed link, though, has limitations and leaves many questions unanswered, such as the role of the skin, the influence of the microbiome, and the effects of ongoing exposures. Despite these limitations, the interaction of exogenous factors with the nose and the gut may explain many of the mysteries of Parkinson's disease and open the door toward the ultimate goal -prevention.

Heuristic cooperative coverage path planning for multiple autonomous agricultural field machines performing sequentially dependent tasks of different working widths and turn characteristics

Coverage path planning is a central task in agricultural field operations such as tillage, planting, cultivation, and harvesting. In future visions, manual operation will be replaced by fleets of autonomous agricultural vehicles that perform the tasks autonomously. A step towards this transition is to enable simultaneous and safe cooperation of autonomous vehicles on the field. In this article a novel approach is presented for coverage path planning (CPP) for two autonomous tractors that perform sequentially dependent tasks simultaneously on the same area. The approach is based on the idea of computing the coverage solutions for each task by dividing them into short paths that consist of a swath and a turn. The approach ensures collision avoidance by examining that the simultaneous short paths, operated by different tractors, do not collide geometrically, and then schedules them to be operated simultaneously in real-time. The approach was demonstrated successfully in a real-world test environment with two autonomous tractors. The tractor that performed the first task was equipped with a disc cultivator and the second tractor was equipped with a seed drill. A test area of 0.8 ha was used for the demonstration drive, during which the tractors drove 22 swaths simultaneously. Both tractors completed their respective tasks.